Friday, December 13, 2024

Liberal Influence Beyond Elections - My perspective

In recent years, political landscapes worldwide have witnessed a striking trend of the consistent rise of conservative or right-wing forces. From developed democracies to emerging nations, liberal political parties rooted in secularism and inclusion face a series of electoral defeats. For many who champion liberal ideals, this trend can be disheartening, evoking a sense of disillusionment and hopelessness. I feel this phenomenon warrants deeper analysis, not just as a commentary on electoral outcomes but as a reflection of the evolving interplay between societies and various ideologies. Contrary to the current perception, liberalism even in the shadow of electoral losses continues to shape society, often in subtle but profound ways.

At first glance, the conservative victory march might seem to reflect the triumph of their ideology. However, much of their electoral success stems from the loyalty of a steadfast voter base and some electoral blunders by liberals. Conservative supporters often vote with unwavering commitment, regardless of a candidate's flaws or controversies. Whether the candidate is perceived as corrupt, controversial, or extreme, their core vote bank remains intact. Liberals, on the other hand, lack this kind of dedicated and unconditional support. Their voter base is diverse and fluid, comprising groups drawn to specific policies or values. For example: immigrants may support liberal policies during their initial years of integration into society; workers might align with liberal agendas during periods of economic struggle; and minorities may rally behind liberals for protection against majoritarianism. However, as these groups stabilize or achieve their goals, their loyalty often wanes based on their social and economic interests. This dynamic reflects a paradox for liberals: their success in empowering and integrating marginalized groups inadvertently diminishes their long-term voter base. Furthermore, the educated, economically secure demographic often seen as the core liberal constituency does not vote with the same urgency as conservative voters. With little at stake personally in elections, their participation hinges more on the nature of the candidate and ideological alignment than existential concerns. This may explain some shift in voting patterns by the groups who were mistakenly considered liberal voters.

Despite losing elections, liberal ideals continue to exert significant influence. This happens at least in two ways. First, due to the need for conservative moderation. When conservatives win elections, their victory often extends beyond their traditional voter base. To maintain this broader coalition, they are compelled to moderate their extreme rhetoric. Even when they rely on divisive propaganda to galvanize their core supporters, implementing such rhetoric becomes politically unfeasible in governance. As a result, many conservative governments tone down their hardline positions to accommodate the diverse expectations of their electorate. This moderation, ironically, is not organic but is driven by the liberal values embedded in modern democratic systems. Liberals may lose the electoral battle, but their principles indirectly shape the policy and governance of conservative government. For example, many social welfare schemes enacted by liberal governments are continued by subsequent conservative governments, often, unwillingly. Second, the liberal watchdog effect forces conservatives to abandon their toxic propaganda when they are in power. Conservatives often target liberals as their primary opposition, even when liberals lack significant electoral power. This consistent focus highlights the role of liberalism as a counterweight to extremism. By existing as a credible alternative, liberals ensure that democratic norms and values remain intact. Therefore, the liberal influence extends beyond ballots to shaping societal discourse, safeguarding inclusion, and preventing the erosion of democratic institutions.

While the current trend may seem bleak for liberals, it is essential to recognize the broader picture. Electoral defeats, though painful, do not signal the demise of liberal ideals. Instead, these ideals continue to exert a quiet but powerful influence on governance, policy, and society. So, for those disheartened by the rise of conservative forces, take solace in this: the essence of liberalism lies not just in winning elections but in shaping the world in ways that ensure inclusivity, equality, equity, and progress, sometimes through direct action and sometimes by compelling others to act. In the grand scheme of democracy, the show goes on, and liberals remain an indispensable part of the story, no matter which government is in power.

Thank you for reading and please share your views on this topic. 

*Vinay can be reached at thevinay2022@gmail.com